Record numbers of people are interested in the vegan diet, with the demand for meat-free food increasing by 987 per cent in 2017, according to The Vegan Society.

The trendy diet is also backed by social media stars and celebrities including chef Jamie Oliver and singer Beyoncé.

Shunning meat, fish, dairy and egg consumption, however, may not be easy as it looks – despite supermarkets rolling out more vegan options every year.

Although some studies find that people who stick to a plant-based diet including lots are less likely than average to develop heart disease, it is still possible to find processed vegan foods in the aisles.

A 2017 study, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, found that those who ate a vegan diet high in sugar and processed foods were 32 per cent more likely to be diagnosed with heart disease than meat-eaters.

WHAT IS A VEGAN DIET AND HOW HAS IT BECOME MORE POPULAR?

A vegan diet contains only plants (such as vegetables, grains, nuts and fruits) and foods made from plants. Vegans don’t eat foods that come from animals, including dairy products and eggs.

Campaigners behind Veganuary have also called on politicians to support a Plant-Based Parliament for January 2020, with many MPs showing their support already.

Supermarkets and fast-food chains are keeping up – Sainsbury’s added 29 new vegan products to its shelves, taking the total to over 100. Waitrose, Tesco and Iceland are stocking ‘fishless’ fingers, meat-free sausages and burgers, and even vegan versions of ready-meals such as lasagne.

Bakery chain Greggs made headlines in January 2019 with its new vegan sausage roll, but other chains, such as Pizza Express, TGI Fridays and Wagamamas were already ahead of the game.

The NHS says you can still get all the nutrients you need from eating a varied and balanced vegan diet.

To make sure you stay health you should:

Eat at least 5 portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables every day